Pioneers of Photogrammetry

Through to January 29, 2023, the Stadtmuseum Wetzlar presents the showcase ‘Meydenbauer – Busch | Pioneers of Photogrammetry’. The special exhibition is dedicated to Albrecht Meydenbauer – a German architect who, in 1858, had the idea of using photographic images for the documentation of buildings – and the Rathenow-based camera and lens maker, Emil Busch.

The presentation was originally conceptualised in 2021 by the Rathenow Museum of Optical Industry (OIMR), to mark the centenary of Meydenbauer’s death. After debuting at the Rathenow Cultural Center, it is now on display at the Stadtmuseum in Wetzlar.

The connection to Wetzlar derives from Meydenbauer’s work on the Wetzlar Cathedral, which led to his idea and development of photogrammetry. His estate is now housed at the Historical Archive in Wetzlar.

Emil Busch’s Company of Optical Instruments developed a wide-angle lens type that laid the foundations for the construction of Albrecht Meydenbauer’s photogrammetric camera.